South Carolina was predicted to finish seventh in the preseason poll released by the SEC on Monday, based on a vote of women’s basketball media members.

The Gamecocks, coming off back-to-back 25-win seasons and NCAA tournament appearances, lost two starters among three seniors. They have finished tied for fourth in the SEC over the past two years but were picked middle-of-the-pack despite the recent success.

Reigning champion Tennessee, led by returning SEC Co-Player of the Year Meighan Simmons and SEC Freshman of the Year Bashaara Graves, was picked to repeat as champion on 10 ballots. Kentucky was picked as SEC champ on five ballots.

USC lost SEC Defensive Player of the Year Ieasia Walker and forward Ashley Bruner, but returns a wealth of talent that all logged significant minutes last year. The Gamecocks also added Junior College Player of the Year Olivia Gaines and McDonald’s All-American Alaina Coates. Predictions for men’s basketball will be released on Wednesday, as SEC Media Days begins in Birmingham, Ala.